Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to allow nursing students under the Free College Law to use their Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to cover Related Learning Experience (RLE) expenses to help ease their financial burden.

The RLE is equivalent to an on-the-job training (OJT) and is one of the requirements for graduating nursing students.

In a statement, Aquino said RLE cost remains one of the financial burdens to poor but deserving students and one of the reasons why some drop out.

He said using TES for RLE expenses would be aligned with CHED guidelines for TES, which provides financial assistance under the Free College Law for financially disadvantaged students to cover other costs of education, such as food, books, and living expenses.

TES also covers expenses of poor but deserving students who choose to study in private colleges and universities.

Aquino said it can be placed as a special provision in the 2026 national budget for nursing students.

“Ibukas natin itong TES sa mga nursing students para sa RLE. Alam ko naman iyong TES para sa kung anumang expense na kailangan ng kabataan (Let’s offer TES to nursing students under RLE. I know that TES is for any expenses the youth need) but once we indicate that it can be used for RLE, I think it will be a big help for our nursing students,” he said.

The issue was brought to Aquino’s attention during the campaign for the 2025 senatorial elections by nursing students, who informed him about the high expenses they incur for RLE, which is equivalent to an OJT and a requirement for graduating nursing students.

He filed Senate Bill No. 123, which seeks to make RLEs free in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). Under the proposal, nursing students in private universities may apply for TES assistance for RLE-related expenses. (PNA)